Hickory Maple Salmon Bites on Pomegranate Apple Quinoa Salad

There’s nothing like a dish that combines simplicity, flavor, and nutrition all in one beautiful presentation. That’s exactly what you get with this Hickory Maple Salmon Bites on Pomegranate Apple Quinoa Salad. Featuring pre-seasoned, ready-to-grill salmon from Cedar Bay Grilling, this recipe makes for an effortlessly impressive meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

A colorful plate featuring Hickory Maple Salmon Bites atop a vibrant Pomegranate Apple Quinoa Salad. The dish is garnished with fresh spinach, jewel-like pomegranate arils, golden quinoa, crisp apple slices, and toasted pecans, all lightly drizzled with a creamy maple-lemon vinaigrette. The salmon bites are caramelized and crispy on the outside, perfectly complementing the fresh and hearty salad ingredients.

Effortless Salmon Preparation

Cedar Bay Grilling takes the guesswork out of cooking salmon. Their planked and pre-seasoned salmon filets are ready to cook straight from the packaging. For this dish, I used their 5-ounce Hickory Maple Salmon filets and transformed them into bite-sized pieces. By cutting each filet into eight segments, not only do you get the ideal size for layering over the quinoa salad, but you also expose more surface area for a crispy, caramelized crust while keeping the interior tender, succulent and flaky. Whether you grill, bake, or air fry, these bites are ready in under 15 minutes, making them as convenient as they are delicious.

A Salad That’s as Vibrant as It Is Nutritious

While the salmon cooks, you can quickly assemble the pomegranate apple quinoa salad (have pre-cooked quinoa on hand, even the pre-cooked kind in a pouch works). It’s a vibrant, nutrient-packed base that’s both hearty and refreshing. Here’s what makes it shine:

  • Quinoa: This protein-rich grain adds substance and texture, providing a neutral canvas to highlight the other ingredients.
  • Pomegranate Arils: Jewel-like bursts of tangy sweetness complement the savory salmon and nutty quinoa.
  • Apple: I chose Opal apples for their crispness and natural resistance to browning, ensuring the salad stays fresh and visually appealing.
  • Toasted Pecans: For a buttery crunch and depth of flavor.
  • Red Onion: A subtle sharpness that cuts through the sweetness of the fruit.
  • Spinach: A nutrient-dense leafy green that ties everything together.

Maple-Lemon Vinaigrette

To dress this salmon bowl, I created a creamy maple-lemon vinaigrette that adds a tangy sweetness and a touch of indulgence without overloading on calories. Greek yogurt serves as the base, making the dressing creamy and protein-rich, while fresh lemon juice and maple syrup balance the flavors beautifully.

Plating and Serving

To assemble layer the pomegranate quinoa salad in a shallow serving bowl and top with the crispy salmon bites. The contrast of colors—golden salmon, ruby pomegranate arils, emerald spinach, and snowy quinoa—makes for a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Quick and Easy: Pre-seasoned salmon and minimal prep make this dish perfect for busy schedules.
  • Nutritious and Balanced: Packed with lean protein, whole grains, healthy fats, and fresh produce.
  • Beautiful and Versatile: A show-stopping presentation that works as a main dish or a nourishing lunch.

With its blend of seasonal flavors, easy-for-anyone preparation, and nourishing ingredients, Hickory Maple Salmon Bites on Pomegranate Apple Quinoa Salad is a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Give it a try and experience how effortless gourmet cooking can be with Cedar Bay Grilling.

You can find Cedar Bay Grilling salmon at:  Kroger, Publix, Hannaford, Safeway, Albertsons, Fred Meyer, Ralph’s, Giant, Giant eagle, Stop n Shop and Roche Bros.

Also, follow for Cedar Bay Grilling recipes and news – Facebook and Instagram.

Hickory Maple Salmon Bites on Pomegranate Apple Quinoa Salad
Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
 
Course: dinner, dinner, entree
Keyword: fish, pomegranate, quinoa, salmon, seafood
Calories: 593 kcal
Ingredients
  • 2 5- oz Hickory Maple Salmon Filets from Cedar Bay Grilling
  • ½ medium chopped golden opal apple or another variety
  • 4- ounce pomegranate arils
  • ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/3 cup toasted chopped pecans
  • 3/4 cup cooked plain quinoa home cooked or plain from a pouch
  • 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach
Dressing:
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tsp real maple syrup
  • 1.5 Tbsp zero-fat Greek yogurt
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat air-fryer or oven to 380F. Unwrap salmon and cut each filet into eight pieces, spreading out just a bit on the provided cedar plank.
  2. Cook for 8-12 minutes until salmon is flakey and slight still pink and tender in center. If using a thermometer, the internal temperature in thickest part should reach 145F.
  3. While salmon is cooking, prepare quinoa salad. Toss together chopped apple, pomegranate arils, red onion, pecans, cooked quinoa and spinach.
  4. Add all dressing ingredients to a small mason jar and shake until thoroughly combined. Pour over salad and stir to distribute evenly.
  5. Distribute salad among two bowls. Place salmon pieces evenly atop salads (removing bottom skin) and enjoy!
  6. Serves 2.
Recipe Notes

Festive and Healthy Pomegranate Holiday Recipes

Pomegranates are the crown jewel of holiday cooking! These ruby-red arils bring a burst of sweetness, tang, and crunch to your dishes while delivering a host of health benefits. High in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, they’re as nutritious as they are beautiful. Whether you’re using whole pomegranates or opting for the convenience of pre-seeded cups, these pomegranate holiday recipes will help you make the most of this seasonal superfood.

Why Use Pomegranates?

Pomegranates not only add vibrant color and festive flair to your table but also pack a nutritional punch. The health benefits of pomegranates include that they are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and polyphenols, which can help combat inflammation and support heart health (check out this pomegranate perks for athletes post in my archives).

For time efficiency, pre-packaged pomegranate arils are a great option. But if you enjoy the hands-on experience, whole pomegranates offer more bang for your buck and make a striking centerpiece before they’re even cut. (Pro Tip: Try this inexpensive 60-second Pomegranate Deseeder tool).

Healthy Pomegranate Holiday Recipe Round-Up

Transform plain quinoa into something to celebrate for the holiday season! Pomegranate, orange segments and pistachios bejewel this quick, easy and nourishing vegetarian salad that is equally beautiful for a dinner party or quick lunch!

Festive Pomegranate Orange Quinoa Salad: This vibrant side dish pairs juicy pomegranate arils with quinoa, orange segments, and herbs for a light and refreshing addition to your holiday spread.

Lower Carb Pomegranate Pistachio Chocolate - sugar free dark chocolate is bejeweled with pomegranate and pistachios. This low-carb chocolate bark is the perfect sweet treat—crunchy, juicy, and oh-so-chocolaty – tastes so indulgent but no added sugar and only 70 cal and 10g carb per serving

Pomegranate Pistachio Chocolate Bark: A festive holiday treat that’s low in carbs yet big on flavor! This bark using combines the tangy sweetness of pomegranate, the nuttiness of pistachios, and the richness of dark chocolate (I use these sugar-free chocolate chips for this easy pomegranate holiday dessert).

Succulent beef tips with spinach in a slightly sweet, slightly spicy sauce inspired by Korean bulgogi. The 10 minute dish is bejeweled with pomegranate arils and pistachios! It's festive, flavorful and a fit for your clean eating meal.

10-Minute Pomegranate Korean BBQ Beef: A quick and flavorful main course that balances savory Korean BBQ beef with a pop of pomegranate sweetness. Perfect for a busy holiday weeknight!

No Bake Chocolate Pomegranate Protein Cheesecakes

No-Bake Pomegranate Chocolate Protein Cheesecakes: These individual cheesecakes are a healthier dessert option, featuring a creamy protein-packed filling and a topping of juicy pomegranate seeds.

Pomegranate Herb GuaPomegranate Herb Guacamole Wreath

Pomegranate Herb Guacamole Wreath: A show-stopping appetizer, this wreath combines creamy guacamole with a burst of pomegranate arils for a festive and delicious dip.

Pomegranate Roasted Pears with Pine Nuts & Blue Cheese: This elegant dessert or side dish highlights the natural sweetness of roasted pears, accented by tangy blue cheese, pine nuts, and pomegranate.

blue cheese pomegranate caviar

Pomegranate Blue Cheese Quinoa Caviar: A sophisticated pomegranate appetizer idea that’s simple to prepare, this dish layers quinoa “caviar” with creamy blue cheese and pomegranate arils for a crowd-pleasing bite.

Tips for Working with Pomegranates

  • Easy Seed Removal: Cut the pomegranate in half, submerge it in water, and gently break apart the sections to release the seeds without a mess.
  • Storage Tips: Keep whole pomegranates at room temperature for a few weeks or in the fridge for longer. Arils can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
  • Festive Garnish: Sprinkle pomegranate seeds on desserts, salads, or even cocktails for a festive touch.

With these recipes, your holiday table will sparkle with color, flavor, and health benefits. Which one will you try first? Let me know in the comments below! 🎄✨

Pomegranates are the ultimate holiday superfood, adding vibrant color, festive flair, and a boost of antioxidants to any dish. Whether you’re sprinkling their jewel-like seeds on salads, desserts, or appetizers, or enjoying them in elegant mains, pomegranates bring a perfect balance of sweetness and tang to your seasonal menu. Check out these easy, nourishing recipes that highlight the beauty and versatility of pomegranates—sure to make your holiday table sparkle

Super Ginger Green Tea with Collagen – Cozy + Benefits

It’s definitely hot beverage season! A mug of Super Ginger Green Tea with Collagen with warm you up from the inside out while providing numerous other body benefits with every sip.

The trifecta of ginger juice, green tea and collagen in this recipe creates a simple but seriously good-for-you concoction that can help you recover from workouts  . . . or just a busy day in general!  

This hot ginger tea drink helps minimize inflammation and supports your joints, is good for a mood boost and over all brain function, is good for your digestion and gut health, and adds an additional 11g protein to your day.

There is basically no caffeine, so it’s ideal for a cozy, alcohol-free beverage before bed. And, if you’re having a hot flash . . ..  or it’s the middle of summer, collagen ginger tea is yummy and refreshing served over ice.

Whipping up this ginger tea with collagen is easy-peasy, just steep a green tea bag into almost boiling hot water for about 3 minutes.

Then stir in 2-ounces of ginger juice, either homemade, pressed from gingerroot (see my homemade ginger juice instructions) or from a 100% ginger juice shot.

save 10% Great Lakes Wellness collagen and products with code THEFITFORK10off
Save 10% Great Lakes Wellness collagen and products with code THEFITFORK10off

Then stir in 2 tablespoons of unflavored collagen powder, my go-to brand is Great Lakes Gelatin. I have the big tubs in my pantry and the single-sized sachets (as seen here in the video) are so perfect for travel.

I love that spicy profile of the ginger juice in this collagen tea drink so much! It’s lightly sweet, but sometimes I’ll add a few drops of a liquid stevia or monkfruit sweetener.  A serving has 85 calories, with 9g net carb, 0g fat and 11g protein, and 150% of DV for calcium.

Stay warm this winter, my friends!

Note: This post contains affiliate links.

5 from 6 votes
Super Ginger Green Tea with Collagen is a delicious hot beverage that warms you up and provides many health benefits -- including support for joints, gut, brain, muscles and more!
Super Ginger Green Tea with Collagen
Prep Time
2 mins
Cook Time
3 mins
Total Time
5 mins
 

Super Ginger Green Tea with Collagen is a delicious hotbeverage that warms you up and provides many health benefits — includingsupport for joints, gut, brain, muscles and more!

Course: Beverage
Keyword: collagen, ginger, tea
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 75 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1 green tea bag
  • 12 oz boiling water
  • 1 2- ounce bottle ginger juice
  • 2 tbs unflavored collagen hydrolysate
  • optional additional sweetener
Instructions
  1. Add boiling water to mug or boil in mug, in microwave. Add tea bag and steep for 3 minutes.

  2. Remove tea bag and stir in ginger juice. (if not using purchased ginger juice, search 'how to make ginger juice" at thefitfork.com

  3. Stir in collagen powder. Great Lakes Wellness collagen dissolves perfectly into hot and cold liquids.

  4. Taste. If needed, add a couple drops of liquid stevia or liquid monk fruit sweetener, to taste.

Recipe Notes

10 Ways to “Gift” Time Without Giving Up Holiday Workouts

Time is a precious thing. We measure it, we spend it, sometimes we lose it . . and we always try to find ways to save it, especially during the busy holiday season. When you think about it, time is the most valuable gift you can give another person. It’s far more valuable that a fleeting material possession and creates an enduring memory with the person you are gifting it to. 10 Ways to Gift Time without Giving Up Holiday Workouts adidas

This “giving time” sounds great in theory, but many of us may avoid it thinking something likely has to give in the daily grind to come up with the spare time. I know I don’t want it to be my run or workout, that’s what keeps me sane when things get stressful. The good news is that “working out” doesn’t actually need to be done in a gym, physical activity can be found or added to most holiday festivities.   So, today, I’m partnering with adidas and taking the time (haha) to share with you 10 Ways to “Gift” Time Without Giving Up Holiday Workouts Continue reading

Farmhouse Winter Veggie Beef Instant Pot Soup

 Boost nutrition while warming up from the inside out with my Farmhouse Winter Veggie Beef Instant Pot Soup – all in about 40 minutes! In the winter months, I absolutely love coming home from a long run or day’s work to a comforting, soul-soothing pot of soup, stew or chili. However, so many of my old family recipes take hours upon hours to complete — ain’t nobody got time for a slow-simmer these days!

 Farmhouse Winter Veggie Beef Instant Pot Soup

Farmhouse Winter Veggie Beef Instant Pot Soup uses the Instant Pot to cook quickly under pressure and replicate the deep, rich flavor of those traditional all-day dishes our grandmothers, mothers and other matriarchs so lovingly made. Read on to get all the details and full recipe:

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